Food Hardship Still Major Problem

More than one out of six American reported times in the past 12 months that they or their families did not have enough money to buy food they needed, according a study released today by the Food Research and Action Center.

"This report clearly shows that now is most definitely not the time to cut any anti-hunger or nutrition programs," says Congresswoman Rosa DeLaura (D., Conn.). "Both the food stamp and Women and Infant Children programs are at risk of being decimated when they are most needed. In the richest country in the world, it is simply unconscionable that so many children go to bed hungry. We should be fixing this problem, not exacerbating it."

The national average was 18.2%, down from 18.6% last year, but about on par on the level of food insecurity through the Great Recession starting in 2008, reports FRAC. Southern states, with their higher level so poverty, were among the most food insecure.

Mississippi was the hungriest, with 25% reporting food insecurity last year. Even the best state, North Dakota, reported 10% food insecurity.

Bakersfield, Calif. and New Orleans were the large metropolitan areas reporting the most food insecurity.